AP red sanders task force puts TNSTC staff on notice
Today news
TIRUVANNAMALAI: The Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) under the Andhra Police has alerted Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) over some of its drivers helping woodcutters ferry back from the forest areas of Chittor district.
A notice has also been sent to a driver and a conductor working under Tiruvannamalai region depot (III) for allegedly providing conveyance for the woodcutters, on Friday.
RSASTF sources said that a Tiruvannamalai-bound TNSTC bus from Tirupati took a detour via Poothalapattu road near Chittoor forest area to carry 25 woodcutters.
A notice has also been sent to a driver and a conductor working under Tiruvannamalai region depot (III) for allegedly providing conveyance for the woodcutters, on Friday.
RSASTF sources said that a Tiruvannamalai-bound TNSTC bus from Tirupati took a detour via Poothalapattu road near Chittoor forest area to carry 25 woodcutters.
The incident came to light after a passenger alerted the police. “We have sought an explanation from the driver and the conductor for their suspicious movement on a particular date. We also have evidences of many TNSTC drivers helping woodcutters travel to forest areas,” said S V Sridhar, RSASTF DSP.
He added that already eight drivers and conductors from AP State Transport Corporation have been arrested for transporting woodcutters from Kurnool and Nellore districts. “Action will be taken against TNSTC bus drivers and conductors who support woodcutters.”
He added that already eight drivers and conductors from AP State Transport Corporation have been arrested for transporting woodcutters from Kurnool and Nellore districts. “Action will be taken against TNSTC bus drivers and conductors who support woodcutters.”
RSASTF sources told Express that special team was being deployed at all major bus stands in Tirupati and Renigunta to monitor the entry of woodcutters into the forest area.
Intelligence officials have alerted us to monitor TNSTC buses from Tiruvannamalai, Dharmapurai, Tiruchy, Salem and Vellore, they added. Following the arrest of many woodcutters at Renigunta and Tirupati bus stands, the brokers have changed the modus operandi by ferrying them from Bengaluru, it was learnt. “Brokers are now taking Tamil woodcutters to Bengaluru and Athipalli border. From there, they are put into Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses or mini-buses going towards Tirupati,” a seniorpolice officer said.
Intelligence officials have alerted us to monitor TNSTC buses from Tiruvannamalai, Dharmapurai, Tiruchy, Salem and Vellore, they added. Following the arrest of many woodcutters at Renigunta and Tirupati bus stands, the brokers have changed the modus operandi by ferrying them from Bengaluru, it was learnt. “Brokers are now taking Tamil woodcutters to Bengaluru and Athipalli border. From there, they are put into Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses or mini-buses going towards Tirupati,” a seniorpolice officer said.
Speaking to Express, Natarajan, general manager, TNSTC Tiruvannamalai region, said both the driver and the conductor have denied allegations. “Buses get full at Tirupati itself. So there is no need for drivers to take a different route. As a precautionary measure, we have issued advisory to all drivers and conductors not to allow the passengers carrying axes and other iron materials from Tirupati.”
Meanwhile, Govindaraj, secretary of TNSTC workers association (AIADMK), Tiruvannamalai, said it was unfair to blame drivers and conductors. “How could you expect them to do a background check on all bus passengers? They hardly can make out as to where these people are heading,” he added.
Meanwhile, Govindaraj, secretary of TNSTC workers association (AIADMK), Tiruvannamalai, said it was unfair to blame drivers and conductors. “How could you expect them to do a background check on all bus passengers? They hardly can make out as to where these people are heading,” he added.
Comments
Post a Comment